Nigerian Mental Health Act 2013 Assessment: A Policy towards Modern International Standards

Abstract

The Nigerian Mental Health Act 2013 was re-introduced to the National Assembly by Hon. Samuel Adejare and Hon. Solomon Adeola. The Bill was first introduced in 2003 by Sen. Ibiapuye Martyns-Yellowe and Sen. Dalhatu Tafida until it was withdrawn in April 2009. The paper has two key aims, firstly to analyse the content of the Mental Health Act 2013, and secondly, examines the proposed Mental Health Act whether it provides a perfect solution to the current problems with regards to international best practices. The method study utilized secondary source of data from the Mental Health Bill Act 2013 and other documentary sources. The findings revealed that the Bill protect the rights of persons with mental disorders, ensure equal access to treatment and care, discourage stigma and discrimination and set standards for psychiatric practice in Nigeria. The paper recommends that Nigeria government should create inpatient mental health units and outpatient clinics to be integrated in the general hospitals; recruiting and training a sufficient number of health workers at all levels; training and supporting traditional healers in mental health and concluded that the Mental Health Act has made enough specific provisions to satisfy the World Health Organization (WHO)’s recommendations.